Why the Best Religious Movies are Godless
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- Опубликовано: 20 июн 2024
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About this video essay:
One of my more personal videos, in which I discuss existential cinema, explore empty churches, reflect on my childhood, and contemplate the silence of God.
Chapters
0:00 Prologue
0:27 Introduction to Existential Cinema
2:28 Cathedrals of the Senses
5:50 Cinematic Crises of Faith
8:18 A Secular Upbringing
10:34 Modern Stories
13:14 In Search of Silence
17:15 The Great Existential Films
Further Reading:
Like Stories of Old - The Complete Reading List: kit.co/likestoriesofold/readi...
10 Books that changed my life: kit.co/likestoriesofold/10-bo...
10 More books that inspired my thinking: kit.co/likestoriesofold/10-mo...
My Camera Gear: kit.co/likestoriesofold/my-tr...
Media included:
A Hidden Life; Andrei Rublev; Ben-Hur; Blade Runner; Calvary; Diary of a Country Priest; Exodus Gods and Kings; First Reformed; God’s Not Dead; Ikiru; Kingdom of Heaven; Mary Magdalene; Midnight Mass; Noah; Silence; Spotlight; Stalker; Sunshine; The Greatest Story Ever Told; The Grey; The Leftovers; The Seventh Seal; The Tree of Life; True Detective; Winter Light
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Music:
Dexter Britain - All Our Needs
Davis Harwell - Enough (This One’s For Me)
Hammock - Now and Not Yet
Music licensed from Musicbed. Elevate your videos with record-label quality music here: share.mscbd.fm/likestoriesofold
Additional Music:
Roseblue - A Love That Fades
Steven O’Brien - Solemn Choral Piece No. 1
Dreyma Music - Nocturnal: • Nocturnal - Choral Amb...
Hey everyone! This was a more personal video of mine (yep that's really tiny Tom in that VHS footage), and a bit of an experimental one, I really hope you like it! Let me know what your favorite existential film is, I always love suggestions! :)
This video is a masterpiece
At a time when many 'Christian' films seem so arrogant in their stance on religion; 'Calvary' felt far more meaningful in its depiction of one man's more humble, tested, and questioning faith. There are several films I haven't yet seen, of course, but of the more current ones that I have; 'Calvary' gets my vote. :)
Hey, may you please start linking the movies in ur vids on the drop down?
Would love to hear your thoughts on Orenda someday.. or similar beliefs to that.
hey love the work! just wondering have you ever considered posting to odysee?
“If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world.” ― C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
A former atheist at that.
Check out "A fall of Adam and Eve - by fr. Seraphim Rose", a beautiful sermon based on patristic texts about human condition through symbology of Genesis
That's not the only conclusion. Another conclusion could be mental illness. Another could be greed.
Or that nothing makes sense, to just assume an intelligent design argument out of the ether seems like a huge leap
Not "I" but "We". Plus that would be generalizing. Also to add that to just disregard the idea all together is also ridiculous and might I add the easy way out. For nature or god hasn't made or put you on this earth if you couldn't bear it.
I always think of Desmond Doss in Hacksaw Ridge crying "I can't hear you!"
Then a soldier yells "medic!"
Gives me goosebumps every time.
It's almost as if it is our poorly grounded expectations that limit our ability to hear/see/sense God. So just as a resonating note can move objects that resonate on the same note, so our hearts resonate with the truth.
@@WarPoet-In-Training Know Thy Self, and you will know the universe and the gods (God, Christ, angels, et al). And like Desmond Doss, it is when we face the greatest struggles in the dark night of the soul that we hear the voice of our Innermost Intimate Christ guiding us on the Path out of hell ruclips.net/video/IuPZjNuA_pU/видео.htmlsi=Tbv0V-f5r9hvCevS
@@WarPoet-In-Training Sabbath is no longer for us to keep, otherwise we would ruin the 6th commandments, which says: DO NOT KILL!
Matthew 5:21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment:
it is the sabbath or the 6th commandment. Cant have both.
Souls, know and understand the bible as we all should:
2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
The 2 most important commandments for us to keep TODAY are:
Matthew 22:37
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.
Matthew 22:39
“And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”
''Silence'' is just pure masterpiece. One of my favourite movies of all time
There is something magical about that movie. I'm non-religious and yet when it was in the theatre I saw it three times. Three nights in a row. Powerful!
Is it available on any platform bro?
Scorsese handles faith and existential crises better than most
The ending sends the wrong message though. Suffering on Earth is temporary. Life with Christ is eternal.
Scorsese's best movie imo. It makes you question eery thing about faith yet presents the idea of god so prfoundly. It is a masterpiece.
Believing is so hard. It takes so much confidence, trust.
Not believing is so hard. It takes so much courage, resilience.
Existing is so easy, and yet we are hard-wired to make it so hard for ourselves...
God speaks to us in many ways, but there is one way that we can know him absolutely even without laying eyes on him. That is the Bible. For in the beginning there was the word, and the word was with God, and the word was God.
The way you describe being present in churches, is exactly the same feeling I got always. Especially the detail of lowering the voice because of the silence and emptiness there, is so well described.
Church architecture accentuates an individuals ability exist in the moment
It's so interesting because I experience this almost never. I got to church when it's bustling with people and usually there's some kind of job for me - greeting visitors, reading the lectures, organizing something...
I get how you associate churches with the feeling of emptyness, but I don't think that's their (main) purpose.
@@bacul165 maybe, but can I ask why exactly do you thing that isn't their main purpose? Aren't churches meant to be quite? When someone prays you become quite, when you pay respects you become quite, ... Suppose you do these stuff daily for about 1 hour, what about the remaining 23 hours? In those hours church is just empty, silent and beautiful. And this environment helps us to search the answers to this un-answerable questions, or at least find some comfort in those questions.
@@enders8412 I know what you mean! My point is less about a church being quiet/silence (such a relief in our busy time for) but the feeling of a church being empty. For those who believe in God, churches are filled with His presence, and even more so when there's a community assembled to worship. Therefore i think the main purpose of a church is to NOT be/feel empty.
But I do not wish in any way to invalidate other people's feelings, faith, or experiences, just wanted to add my (admittedly quite traditionally religious) view.
@@bacul165 okay I get what you mean. Thank you for expressing your opinion :)
I always felt that the reason it works so well is because it uniquely captures the struggle that a devoted believer will inevitably go through. Having faith means facing adversity. It means having days when you pray and feel that doubt creep in. When you can't hear any answer for your loyalty, and you wonder if there's even anything there. And you can really go either way with this, with either a story about overcoming faithlessness or losing your faith, both incredibly emotionally loaded plots
Agreed. Thank you for such an insightful comment.
Tom, thanks so much for your honesty and transparency in your videos. As a guy who is religious, your thoughtful look at these immense topics is SO refreshing. It scares me to know that religious people don’t take deep-dives into the foundations of their own faith. We just have to. I have to. I know this is cliché, but I have to question and wrestle with these concepts, or else faith loses all meaning.
Thanks again, man. Your stuff just rules.
If I could ask and please tell me to "go away" if this is a question too personal from a stranger. But being religious, how do you wrestle with questions and answers when faith portends to give to one the answer and the question in one? For context, this is something I really struggled with when I was Christian. How do you contend with those philosophical roundabouts? If you catch my meaning.
@@Nikelaos_Khristianos No, not too personal at all! Are there any specific instances of that you can recall?
@@blakedavison2171 Well, I'll try and remember the exact questions, if I can, but one particularly difficult question concerns the nature of God itself: If there is a God (who is omniscient and omnipotent), why does it need to test its creations? ie, humans.
@@Nikelaos_Khristianos that’s a good question. I feel like people much older and wiser than me profoundly struggle with this! The way I see it is similar to a teacher in a classroom. I myself am a 7th grade teacher, so I’m speaking with a bit of experience!
In school, tests are meant to see if we’ve learned what’s been taught. There are some teachers who make tests ridiculously difficult trying to fail students, and there are those who find joy in the success of their students.
I believe God is love, in every aspect of his nature, and wants us to succeed. When he tests us, he wants to see if our faith in him is legitimate. If we fall short, I believe he takes pleasure in teaching us so we can “pass” the next time. When our faith proves to be something that’s real, that’s where growth, maturity and joy are born.
I know this was all over the place, but I hope I answered your question a little bit! Thanks for letting me ramble on!
Blake,
Unfortunately, it seems that for many the utility of religious belief is to avoid the deep dives. The deeply religious people I’ve known either never acknowledge the NEED for, or purpose in diving at all, or they have volumes of apologetics they fall back on as life-preservers, so they never have to dip below the surface. I agree with you though, I’ve learned more and grown in my fascination with the concept of God since leaving religion to ‘wrestle’ on my own (with some help from Tom and LSOO).
An interesting thought (I hope) - consider the fact that all of the elements and compounds and all of the laws of physical and chemical reactions in the universe are configured so that such a thing as a world like ours, people like us and thoughts like these could come into existence. It’s as if each of us was willed into existence by existence itself - what might be considered the will of God. I sometimes think on the immeasurable patience of that form of creation and the obligation it places on us all. The universe has waited billions of years for THIS scene in the procession of existence, what will we DO with it?
Learning that this creator is not religious increased my admiration tenfold, and I didn't think I could love this channel anymore. I've become very accustomed to attacks on my faith, and 90% of the time the arguments, let alone their sentiments, are warranted. Some of the worst people claim to be people of faith. I am so incredibly weary, not just of having to stand up for and by my beliefs, but much more so watching the world butcher and defile the thing I value above all other things.
Thank you LSOO, your videos are a safe place for me to hide away, recharge, and find a little peace and clarity.
This era is quite possibly the best time to be a religious person, when so many sources are doubting, deconstructing, and almost destroying our values, one is obligated to look inward and really understand the ideas we take for granted.
I have a lot of solidarity with my religious friends. I was raised extremely, extremely religious, to the point that everyone in my family didn't use my name, they just called me Pit (prophet in training). When I became an atheist, it was really painful because I'd sincerely had so many holy, solemn, and transcendent experiences through faith. And I'd also been heartbroken, seeing what those feelings were supposed to represent be turned into materialistic, egotistical selfishness by others. And also when I felt tempted to do it within myself.
I've always thought it would be incredibly cruel to try and take God away from someone, but I think it can also be just as painful to live with God and see it defiled while trying to keep it present in your heart. I really like Brandon Rojas comment, and I just wanted to say I feel you, feel for you, and-- I think-- understand, even if we're on completely opposite sides of the faith spectrum.
@@brandonmorel2658 Very well put Brandon.
@@River_StGrey This comment brought me to tears (good tears.) Thank you for giving me a little extra hope, I needed it today. Much love fellow human.
@@lizc6393 yay! I'm happy to spread the good tears. And likewise, having an empathetic exchange with someone different was something I really needed today, so thank you for making your initial comment.
Its nice too see people looking at things for all their value, even if some of that value doesn't necessarily relate to them
Value is value. If you can take something from it, then it relates to you. This may not be *why* we are here, but we must find value in things, that, to me, is the only reason to live.
@@haidengeary8277 amen
You may not be one for listening to sermons, but you've just created the best sermon I've ever heard.
I so agree!!
Indeed
What a wonderful comment Geoffrey, could not have said it better myself!
And in the quiet, God is so loud , overwhelming really. Civilization tends to remove the ability to see that
I'm sorry you feel this way. I encourage you to find better sermons.
5:30
A few times I went with my school to a cathedral, and every time the huge group of children screamed and ran, it felt like a monstrous act, like a mistake, something that shouldn't be happening, it feels wrong to disturb the heavy silence, it feels like being underwater
i think it’s easy for us to say God is silent. But every time i love, everytime i recieve love, everytime i surrender my own desires to help someone else. I hear God. I think God is more intricately interwoven into the everyday mundane life than we like to believe. Too often we long for miracles and exaggerated fantasy, a sure byproduct of our own immaturity. When our worlds break and we deconstruct what we’ve known, it’s precisely in those moments when we can become in awe. And that wonder is where God is.
I've been trying to find the words to describe this, but I was never articulate enough. Thank you for fleshing it out and verbalizing it.
@@minervalim1420 wow that was very kind, i’m super happy i could help you :)
Someone once said to me, "God doesn't speak in words or visions, but in moments."
@@R0GU351GN4L ohh that’s gooooood
Perhaps cathedrals aren't the best house for God, then. Perhaps they are misleading idolatry crafted by limited minds.
As a Catholic priest, this video pulled me beyond the precarious safety of the event horizon of human desperation that borders the epistemological black hole that pulls us into a realm that dissolves and threatens to absolutely crush our plaintiff cries for metaphysical and existential certainty. The force is terrifying, first because it seems purposely malicious, but it suddenly vies with the anguished horror that it is utterly indifferent and without malice - without meaning. I've heard it; I've felt it. The cry and embrace of human solidarity born of abandonment to a dark, uncaring nothingness which obliterates all we cherish, all we dearly value - mocking the truth of our frailty, the sense of our ultimate powerlessness to reroute our dreaded trajectory. The suffocating silence attempts to extinguish the flame of hope and connection. With ruthless honesty Mother Teresa wrestled for fifty years with the reality of this crushing sense, this emptiness, much like the flower, Thérèse of Lisieux, from whom she took her name, both remarkable women who openly spoke and wrote of their slipping past the event horizon of faith's ephemeral certainly into the black hole of the dark night of the soul where there was no God and no eternity, only the silence of nothing. Yet in the chapels and the churches of this video was a faintly shimmering stained glass light that antagonized the darkness by refusing to negate itself, insinuating its possible presence but, in the most maddeningly evasive way, refusing to loudly proclaim it exists, teasing and taunting our desperate souls. Or, did I actually see two fingers stretch to touch each other? Did I imagine I saw a light reaching from a white hole bringing forth creation?
As a philosophy graduate and recently born-again catholic, this was really beautifuly written. For a past few weeks I've been struggling with this "God's silence"/existential angst. Then I decided to go to confession; but at the same time I started arguing in my head that confession is a beautiful symbol, but still it's purely symbolic and it won't make any difference. Neverthless I took that leap of faith, and after confession I felt like a giant load has been taken from my back. Like the Universe Itself talked back to me.
Just wanted to share this experience, greetings from Croatia
Thank you. This spoke to my soul.
Words words words words words
@@redacted9990 like yours
dude you are a catholic priest. you could be the smartest, most philosophically well rounded, and enlightened person on planet Earth, and you'd *still* be a scumbag.
I'm an atheist, but one of the most impressive buildings I've been in my life was in the personal chapel of Felipe II in his Escorial palace, plus his library, hell you have to respect a man that prioritizes knowledge and spiritual health over other things for his Royal Palace. I was simply shocked in awe and respect.
As a matter of fact, I feel incredibly annoyed every time I visit a famous Cathedral or the sort and is invaded with noisy tourist. If you are going to visit a place of cult, behave properly.
I hope for your sake you meant “culture” and not “cult”, or else you’ll probably start running into some angry people lol.
@@surprisedchar2458
He used the word properly.
@@ystic2006
There's no dichotomy between "intellectual reason" and metaphysics.
@@Qwerty-jy9mj yes and no
Yes. They are works of art. It's akin to visiting a museum.
This resonated. I’ve been skeptical of my desired beliefs for years now; my relationship with Christianity has been something of a wrestling. Looks like I have a lot of movies, and tears, to sit with. Thank you for this and all that you create!
Amen. Exactly the same for me. I hope your path is okay though wrestling
@@MrSofuskroghlarsen same to you. 🙏🏼
@@kevinreed95 Thanks bro ❤️
There's a great tradition of individuals wrestling with faith. Even the name Israel in the Hebrew bible means to wrestle with God. It's normal, and even more, it's human.
@@redrabbitjohnson that's what I'm saying, this is normal; your faith growths through it as long as you seek, pray, and persevere.
I feel this is a beautiful milestone in your work. There is always something sacred and humble in your videos. That you reflect on it is heart warming and very interesting.
I truly believe that love for films/literature/ art in general can awaken to a form of faith, without needing to attach oneself to a religion, or name any object to said faith...
Thank you
Totally agree
A new level of emotional depth can be found in this video, I whole heartedly agree. There is a certain quiet dignity that resonates throughout a lot of Tom's content but this particular video did feel in many ways ''sacred''as you put it.
Ariane, I always like to read the comments to see how other people felt and I would like to say that you have a marvellous way with words. I wish you all the best!
The Seventh Seal is a very powerfull movie about the silence Of God.
Most of Bergman’s films deal with that, my current favorite being Winter Light
@@bencarlson4300 another great movie from the master
@bencarlson4300 Thanks for the recommendation. I'll be watching it after work.
"Stillness is my gift to the world. How can stillness be a gift, you may ask. It is a gift because it is an expression of certainty and peace. How can stillness be a gift to the world? Because your stillness allows Knowledge to express itself through you. How can stillness be a gift to the world? Because your stillness enables all other minds to be still so that they may know. A mind in conflict cannot be still. A mind that is turbulent with its own evaluations cannot be still. Thus, as you present the stillness that you are now cultivating to the world, you give all other minds that recognize you the opportunity to enter stillness themselves. You are, in essence, communicating that peace and freedom are possible and that there is a great presence of Knowledge in the world, calling upon each separated and tormented mind... Today remember the importance of stillness... Look about at the world of turbulence and realize its great application there... Give yourself to stillness. Allow yourself to escape the ambivalence and uncertainty that haunt you and that hold you back... This is God's gift to you and this will be your gift to the world." (Steps to Knowledge, Marshall Vian Summers)
Beautiful.
Thank you, Janice.
"Be still, and know that I am God" - Psalm 46:10
"Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.” Psalm 37:7
Stillness in meditation and perception.
Thank you, Tom, for this very special video. I’m not religious either. But churches and chapels have still become an existentially positive influence on me too.
Of all the youtube channels out there, there is none that I pay more attention to when watching one of their videos. I often take time to reflect back on what you have presented us and usually sit in silence after the end. In a way, there is some sort of religious or spiritual aspect to your videos for I believe that they attest to the most important aspect of art, and so, of life. You remind me time and again of what life truly is. Of what is important. Of what my life is or could be if I took it more seriously, if I paid as much attention to those questions you ask yourself and that I ask myself too but seldom find the time or motivation to look for an answer. As a christian person, this was a very moving video, and the idea of silence, or a place of silence truly hits home. Of a life struggle without an answer. The anxiety of failing to uphold to my faith and some day lose it. Lose it to reason or sin or feeling tired of this life long struggle that too often time doesn't seem to mean anything.
I thank you for your videos and the time you take to ask yourself questions and share the answers you have found. They truly are majestic.
Please believe me when I say this comes from compassion - but it is okay to let go of faith. It really is. And not just "okay". It is spiritually, intellectually, existentially freeing. I remember that feeling of anxiety that I couldn't just believe like others did. But everything started to make so much more sense when I stopped trying to see it through that lens, and when the guilt/fear of hell finally became a memory. Even the things I had no answers for (or perhaps, especially those things).
But again, I'm not here to de-convert you. If faith does something positive for you, hold onto it. But all too often, faith becomes a rigid and oppressive answer, in the place of what should be an ever-changing question. Or in the place of what should be... *silence.* Letting go of faith doesn't have to mean letting go of God. It just means letting go of the baggage we've assigned to Him/Her/It.
Anyway, I wish you all the best on your journey through this beautiful, lifelong struggle we all share.
@@neofromthewarnerbrothersic145 Why all atheists believe that we can't let go of faith because we fear hell? There are more profound and exsistential fears than that. Above all fear of the absence of meaning. As a naturalist AND a christian I always struggle with the lack of scientific evidence of a meaning for the Universe. And I seem incapable of contenting myself of being just me giving meaning to not only MY exsistence, but the Universe's. It may be childish, maybe I'm just a child afraid of the dark, but I NEED a meaning for all of this: not just human life and death, but animals' too, and plants, and any other living being, and not just that, but the planets and stars and galaxies, that are all destined to perish too. Faith gives a meaning, because it's not just the acknowledging of God's existence, but the hope that He knows what he's doing, even if we don't understand it.
As a man that lies about being Christian everyday this does hit hard. I'd rather pretend to pray than to hurt my family I guess. I've even done work for their community and help men of the Church set things up for mass. I can't help but always think what they'd think of me if they knew my true inner thoughts.
I've been there. We do what we do to please the ones we love. For love is the most important thing a human can be a part of. Stay strong.
Is sucker-punching them with a backhanded smack everyday any better?
That's tough. I'm also from a community deeply based around belief, quite conservative belief. Moreover I was a prominent figure in my church. My last prayer to god was 'if you cannot save a place in heaven for someone who cannot force himself to believe exactly as you instruct, perhaps you will have some mercy for one that is striving for truth and honesty.' For me, this was the beginning of thinking, learning and understanding the world, people and cultures 'in color' and I will always cherish the result of my choice. It was also the second time in my life I made my mother cry, but came to know that our relationship was deeper than something sacred to her, that motherhood transcended all and a man can stand tall, knowing that. Many other stories like that. For me truth worked out and despite knowing of the pain and suffering honesty brings, I recommend you take the step. Who knows how many others may take your brave example. Speak the truth. Good luck and love from a stranger.
@@SH-bn8vd What I've learned from my time in this life is that we are all nothing but flesh and bone and we just want happiness. I know the relationship between me and my family would not be the same if I were to be honest with them. I was very young when I first noticed the silence of God and even from that age I knew I would have to stay silent too. At that young of an age I understood that it would only make my parents feel like failures to God. Thankfully I do have friends outside the community I can express my true self with. I just hope that if one day I meet God he'll understand and be merciful but I doubt such a day will come and severally doubt his mercy. Thank you for your kind words and your beautiful story.
Good luck and love from a stranger.
You cast this dilemma to the electric winds, so I'm assuming you wish discussion, though your crisis is deeply personal. It would appear that you are trying to be more of a Jew than a Christian. Jewishness is a heritage and cultural reality. You can convert to it, but the core are born to it...marked physically by it. To deny it is to deny what you are, like denying being African or Nordic... But further... Being Jewish is to be compliant or not with the laws of Moses and the Prophets that honor Abram's covenant with G-d. To deny it is to try to pass for another than what you are, such as the little girl in the old film(s) "Imitation of Life" trying to deny being Black .
Christianity is not an ethnic cultural reality overlayed with religious practices and religious laws... Though it may seem that way. In the Gospels it is made clear that the Son of Man will gather the elect to The Father from the flocks, and some are NOT of THIS flock. It is said that a man must honor his father and mother, yet I tell you you may leave your parents and follow your own truth.
Christianity, as described in the Gospel of Mark is an existential religion of yourself in contact with your true self. Others can't change that. As Kierkegaard and Nietzsche both say, with dramatically different objectives, you must either will yourself or become but a hollow shell of pretenses. There is no neighbor wiser than you about yourself.
There is no truth to be found in community, none in science, none in commerce, none in governance, none in any contrivance or artifice of man...for as Solomon eventually realized...it will all turn to dust. Truth, for you, is inside you. Look beneath the layers life has shrouded around your true heart. "Purity of Heart is to will but one thing."
If your friends and family are following the lessons given in the text of the Gospels they read, then you may be surprised that they will not reject or think less of you.
As a Christian, your exploration on this video is profound.
Indeed the language of God is Silence only by silence are we in a position to hear God.
"Religion gives men more, and how much more only the participant can realise. In this it is like art, which likewise furnishes no supplementary truth, but it does open whole world's to be explored, whole heavens to be enjoyed" - John Randall
Authenticity and artistry such as this is a rare thing in our world. As a person of faith, resisting the pat, manufactured certainties of uncritical religious devotion while also embracing the anxious liberation of doubt is narrow, difficult path to walk. But it is lovely, nonetheless. Thank you, Tom.
The movies you show invoke a warmth in me that I cannot explain. They all touch on religion by varying degrees, although my thinking is science based, I do allow God to creep into my thoughts on my life and existence in this Universe. It is hard to put into mere words this feeling of needing something in our lives we can't explain, see or even quantify. I long to feel as I did as a child when thinking about this subject, a deep, innocent feeling of there being something else just beyond our grasp. Thanks for another outstanding and thought provoking glimpse into our own depths as moving forward, the human race seems to get ever more fragmented and divided.
I don't know how you do it, but every time you manage to touch my emotions, something I myself struggle with. Your video essays are beautiful contemplations of what the human experience is and feels. I'm so grateful for your work and the beautiful moments you allow me to have through it.
I had the same experience as you. Growing up, I was technically raised Catholic, but it was always more of a cultural than spiritual thing. Later in life, when I got really into cinema, it was the films of Bergman, Tarkovsky, and Kieslowski that really touched me. I didn't consider myself religious, but their films were all about questioning the mysteries of life and existence, and some part of me connected with the reverence and awe their films evoked. I'm still working out my own beliefs and uncovering what it is I feel so drawn to when I read religious myths or see art that signals something more than mundane reality, but it was cinema that reopened that door within myself. I really appreciate the work you do, I'd like to someday soon contribute my own perspective on these subjects.
What other art have you found that you loved? ❤
@@yes7855 For other Filmmakers, Terence Malick, Charlie Kaufman, Wim Wenders. For Painters, I love Nicholas Roerich, Gustav Dore, Alex Grey. I've been loving Islamic art in general lately, particular the Mughal period. And Poetry has become increasingly important to me. Rainer Maria Rilke's work resonates with me so deeply and has changed the way I conceptualize God and understand my own place in this life. Carl Jung's work, both his writings and paintings feel particularly numinous as well
This one had me crying for 15 minutes. Tears of awe or something idk. Thanks for making these amazing videos.
Oh man. I literally end up crying every time i watch your videos. So beautiful, thank you.
I am inspired and I am broken. Thank you for making this video. It has to be one of my favorites from your channel and I'll be thinking about it and re-watching it as time goes on. I think we all have a story that inspires faith or the rejection of such. I'll spare mine, but I love reading everyone's comments and the stories they tell. Thanks again.
I am a Catholic. I am suffering with confusion. But I think that’s ok. I came to my faith 6 or 7 years ago. Even still the search for God goes deeper. My own questions and searching led me to ask the Catholics directly on the internet. I was baptized as a child but knew nothing and was not practicing. My life has been a journey. I realize how most people simply do not understand the Catholic faith. Sometimes I am in the midst of serious doubt. My anxiety disorders place barriers between me and my faith. People I know assume because I try to follow all of the Church’s teachings that I hate them or reject them. Not true. I don’t understand God. But I suppose if I did then I’d know He wasn’t real. Only God can fully understand Himself. I am suffering. But in my melancholy knowing that God wouldn’t want me to live like this all the time I take consolation knowing in these times that is when I am closest to Him. If you wish to understand the Catholic faith, first attend the traditional Latin mass or Eucharistic adoration. Understand what we believe is the Eucharist. Talk to a priest and tell him about yourself before you receive the Eucharist so he can properly instruct you. It’s the most important part of the faith to us. And whoever you are if you’re reading this or are of any or no faith, you’re not alone. A lot of the time my belief is a choice and I feel very little. The act of the will is what is most important.
I’m still looking for God. In the lives of the saints, in the mass, in my own serious doubt and confusion. The Catholic faith is at least my corner and my consolation. I hope if you’re searching you look and stay here too
me too, let us pray for each other, in the name of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen!
Honestly now, I don't really care *what* you release at this point, because you obviously know what you're doing (i.e. this amazing video). Thanks for this vid, man. I needed it.
You truly are one if a kind, sir. It is like you take me by the hand and walk me through my own thoughts. Many thanks.
You keep saying things I feel but cant put in words. Incredible work, LSOO, I feel so grateful that ive found your channel and followed it trough the years, thank you.
I watched Andrei Rubliev recently and wow.... I really did feel the despair, the doubt, the edge..... So many people I know simply don't understand why I would seek out films that would make me feel those feelings.... But like you suggest, it offers a comfort in a way. A solace in the face of despair and doubt and endless questions.
It's a kind of comfort that your videos also conjure in their own way too.
Thanks for another great watch.
Many thanks for sharing this deep and thoughtful video! In talking with friends or thinking for myself, I’ve always used the term “existential” to describe the kind of cinema I’m interested in the most, but I also wondered if it was a common term in such a context. Now I see that both in terms of concept and examples you’re using it in exactly the same way! I first came to know your amazing channel through your videos on Malick’s films, and now I see in a deeper way why I loved them so much and found them resonating with my own rough understanding of Malick. It’s always a delight to find similar souls; lots of love and respect all the way from Iran!
As beautiful as touching. I believe you are more religious than many self proclaimed true believers.
I have always been fascinated by your voice. It’s great to connect the face to the voice. This is one the best videos you’ve done!
One of the best videos I’ve watched on RUclips. Thank you for making this video.
I'm a long time fan who has probably shared almost all your videos. I love how you articulate what I feel and sometimes feelings I didn't know I had.
Thank you for this particular video as I have been sitting in this silence for like a week now as my mom is fighting for her life and I struggle with the uncertainty of it all. This video touches and comforts me. Again, thank you. You are a blessing. 💛🙏💛🙏💛🙏💛🙏
Sorry to hear that, I wish you all the best!
I don’t think I ever teared up during an ad
I was so happy to see you! :D
Your videos gave me a lot of meaning.
I always wondered who are they coming from.
I still don’t know but it felt like I got a glimpse.
Very sentimental but true.
I love your voice and your videos never fail to touch my heart, mind and soul. You are an puzzle to me, just as your content stays with me, confounds me at times, and nourishes me at others. Thank you so much for bringing me "Like Stories of Old". Such a treasure; such a gold mine. Peace and much love to you, my friend.❤️
Silence was a powerful film because it showed what someone's religion can truly cost. There was something beautiful about Adam Driver's character diving into the water to save drowning villagers, but it was also tragic because you knew it wouldn't help. Andrew Garfield's character helplessly watches his only friend die, directly questioning (this is just my interpretation) the basis of their faith.
Nice profile pic lmao
I really see myself in all your work and I'm grateful for that. You have the hability to express subtle thoughts. Thank you very much. 🙏
A stirring and interesting video. Your gentle, thoughtful, soothing voice adds to the power of the message. Very well done.
I just wanna say I'm in awe of how well you do these videos. You make masterpieces
I know this video isn't doing well, but I genuinely think that this might be your best work. It is definitely my favorite of your videos. There is a personal closeness to this one that makes it transcend all your other work. Thank you for this.
Man, my Week was a bit rough but now seeing this pop up made it a lot better :)
Ripping my heart out, every time. Beautiful video.
I’ve been watching your videos since you started and this was not only a turning point in how vulnerable you’ve gotten, but one that blurs the line between narrative story and video essay - it’s not just an essay… It’s filmmaking
Watching your videos and listening to your voice has a very soothing effect.
This is, by far, my favorite and most personally relevant film of yours. Silence is the language of the Infinite. Listen and you'll hear it speak; it speaks through silence.
This is beautiful, thank you for this.
Wow, man, your video is really powerful to me. Sincerely, it's hitting my soul so deeply... Thank you so much for existing and sharing it.
As a huge fan of your content on Malick and Tarkovsky, I felt compelled to say that this was just an incredibly powerful offering. Thank you!
Thankyou for such a wonderful essay. I knew that would watch to the end from the moment you quoted Kierkegaard.
I was moved deeply by your reflection on the human construct - church buildings. I too have felt this way - I have dropped into churches, cathedrals mosques and temples around the world and I understand them to be sacred space a/ because they are set aside by people of faith who have devoted their lives to worship in them and to beautify them and b/ because they are so resoundingly empty. At times these spaces came seem so empty it moves me profoundly. The silence came seem so deafening.
The great cathedrals were designed to offer people an experience of heaven. Yet we children of the enlightenment have missed the corporate nature of this experience. We (I) enter these spaces and are moved individually - yet I think part of the truth of that scene you shared from "True Detective" at the tent meeting explored the individual vs the corporate. I think the secularisation of the media has forgotten the interconnectedness that religion offers. we see this scene and we are sorry for those duped and deluded fools as they worship together, yet in a way they are closer to their own humanity than Rust is.
I could go on - you have given me so many things to think about - thankyou again.
You can seldom do Christian Existentialism without arriving or starting with Kierkegaard or CS Lewis.
Remember that Purity of Heart is to will but one thing.
I was a missionary, three times a year, for 20 years. My wife was a contemplative nun in Poland. Yet, we are now developing some views around the faith in wich we find more truth and deep among the agnostic. And I don´t think we are drifting away from our faith, just opening to some perspectives that in other time were unthinkable. Your video may no reflect my own personal journey, growing up in Mexico and then drifting through some other countires, but I find your state of soul very close to mine. Thank you for sharing it, Tom.
Keep developing, keep growing and keep drifting. You're on your way. Don't be afraid to let go. It's the most terrifying thing but what's on the other side is so much better
As a Pastor who has spent years both as a Believer and an Agnostic, I hope you continue to search your faith and beliefs deeply. I had to let go of my shallow/elementary faith before understanding that truly I know nothing. Still now as a minister I only faintly suspect the intricacies of morality and existence. I see glimpses of it, like the back of tapestry that eludes to a grander perspective. Wherever your personal journey takes you, my hope is you arrive with deep contemplation and intention.
And yet again I rediscover why this is one of my favourite channels ever. Deeply thought out, beautifully crafted and described a feeling that have in my chest so, so very well. Thank you for your sensitivity, time and effort put into these fantastic videos!
Your content is always amazing, but this one moved me to tears many times. Thank you for sharing your work with us.
Your story touched my heart so strong that I cried. Perhaps because I had the same background as you. And I feel the same about religion and their sacred spaces. Thanks for sharing this I Love it!
Excellent. Well put together and real. You echo my thoughts on the subject. Thank you for your thoughtful, thought provoking video.
once again you remind me of the fact that this channel is my cathedral of the senses, a place that i enter to be fully engulfed by. your work will stand the test of time
I honestly lost myself in those scenes you accurately put together many times, but i don't regret it, because your voice, the light music and those movies scenes always make me feel lighter and relaxed. I like that sensation :)
This video is Holy. Seriously, this has to be one of the most impactful and insightful RUclips videos I have ever watched. I will definitely be returning to this channel and this video. I’m filled with awe, faith, and silence. Thank you LSOO. Please keep making these passion projects of yours, they need to be watched by the millions.
Flannery O'Connor the Catholic writer from the American South talked about "the Christ-haunted South" in reference to that very religious, bible belt part of the US. I very much liked your latest video here, Tom, and it made me realize that Europe is Christ-haunted as well. Just as in the American South, there were so many paradoxes, so many abuses committed in the name of Christianity (they condoned slavery by misusing the bible), so much that didn't look or sound like anything that Christ himself taught. But there is a still, small voice that can still be felt in the silence of those old churches. It is Him who whispers to us that we need to care for the poor and downtrodden. It is Him who encourages us to speak up for those who have no privilege. He uses the weak things in this world to confound the powerful. I think it still echoes through those old churches as does the peace of the one who was called The Prince of Peace.
I feel in a similar way as you about this subject, it means a lot to see this articulated
Good to see someone talk about Silence as well, as it was criminally underrated
I’ve always liked your videos.
The different language, culture and world each one of us live were never a barrier for me to enjoy them.
The images, the soundtrack, the timing, the words…aimed at opening up and contemplating, rather than dissecting in analysis.
This specific video gave me an intuition of the reason.
Pity that probably we’ll never meet. It would be nice to be your friend.
Thanks a lot.
So watching this, was actually the very first thing I did when I woke up today, and I made a point when I saw my notification of it, to not exit my room or do anything else, until I watched it. I'm not religious in any way, though I have grown somewhat spiritual, and this did indeed strike a chord in me. I absolutely loved the awe-inspiring images of nebulas, of space, of the Sun, combined with godly hymns. This is why I love modern art so much. It's not quite enough to just see an image, to hear a sound, to read a word - but when all that is put together, and the words are spoken to you amidst the viewing of such images while surrounded by profound sound - it is a whole new experience entirely. I truly love your work, and I love sharing it with others ❤️
Just what I needed to start my day - coming off a 24 hour CQ shift HOOAH
You've done it again. Thanks as always
Thank you Tom. That took time, courage, honesty, love and patience to make. Many thanks.🙏☀️🌻🇬🇧🪐⭐️☄️🙏
There's that scene in True Detective when Rust visits the Reverend again after all the years have gone by that struck me as a fitting quote here:
"All my life I wanted to be near to God. The only nearness? Silence."
Can Absence be Presence? I believe so. 😊
@@Zimtej Can cold be hot?
can you shut and up@@bone6495
@@bone6495If it is cold enough, yes
This video (and all of your videos) are phenomenal and inspiring. If possible, it would be awesome if you released a list of your favorite movies for each "section " (ex, for this video the list would cover existentialist)
Thanks so much for spreading your love into the world.
Your Stories vs. Reality is a great documentary! I will keep to follow your work.
Nice to see your face. Take care!
This made me cry good tears Tom. You are a gift to the world.
At first thank you so much for your art, the fact seeking answers to this mystery we call life would lead to more questions so I decided to stop seeking but start living by thinking less and living more and learned it's okey to live without knowing.
سلام שָׁלוֹם Peace ✌️
We do not live in a world of God. We live in a world made by Man, by our own hands we've suffered each other. God gave us freedom, yet we enslaved each other and created a system that maintains it as so. God is not evil. God is not silent. We are simply too loud and violent. 🖐
not true. if you keep believing that we dont hear god because we live in a society you will not find inner peace. society is part of the world of god, look for some good in that
@@kobieta3906its in the bible. God gave Satan the Earth.
Of course, chosing God's authority overrules it.
Tom, Thank you for being the voice of us who can’t speak as clear as you can. With all my heart I appreciate your existence and the fact that you share a part of it with us, with the universe
Love your videos. This is my favourite channel on RUclips.
Interesting I came back for a second watch, your meaning comes from looking at the beautiful in silence. I too see meaning in the beautiful, I go out in nature to see the beauty in Gods creation. But also another place I find it is ironically in the noise, music and worship has the power to make you feel emotions, you can see it in this very video, the fundamental mysteries of why music works the way it does will always humble me.
The third is Jesus' life. I know most of you don't see the evidence but that is exactly what faith is really about. I'll leave it at that. Great video you are one of my favourite creators, keep getting us to keep on thinking.
Goddamn dude you continue to have the most evovocatively well edited videos on youtube
Love your content which provides opportunities to reflect and experience deep thoughtful ideas
So glad you finally did this! I wrote a comment like a year ago saying you should do this one! Thank you
God often speaks from the silence... 1 Kings 19:11 The Lord said, "Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by."
Then a great and strong wind tore asunder the mountains and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a soft whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he put his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.
Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"
WOW I'm trying to make a Elijah movie myself one of these days.
In such beautiful church buildings even the lone visitor is not lonely. So Tom, I can understand why you like to visit them by yourself.
Perhaps christianity shines at its brightest when it is forgotten and decayed, just as Christ was most relatable to mankind when He was forsaken of God and men, and left for dead on the cross. It touches a heart string in a way that goes beyond all utterance.
I am astounded by your videos every time. You write like poetry, but you teach and move me. Keep it up, please. I can't wait for more.
As always, wonderful work ☺️
Luv from Portugal 🇵🇹❤️
Silence is not a deterrent but an allure to God. The more Silence you experience the more deeper it unfolds your ship with God and your Virtue you pursue. Godspeed!
BS. If He loved us, He would speak plainly and directly to us.
@@mikeyboo5603 Isn't it a better way to learn by asking then it is to be spoon fed. If he spoke to us clearly then wouldn't we be spoiled, weak and complain about every inconvenience. Do you not grow stronger by exercising. Does eating and sitting around only makes you weaker. Would it not be the same if God spoonfed us knowledge we would become so mentally lazy and weak that we would be incapable of thinking for ourselves. God does not speak clearly so that we can think about what he says and come to our own conclusions. God wants to grow and become better people. Wouldn't coddling us by speaking clearly and giving us every miracle we think we need makes us weak spoiled brats. Sometimes he does speak clearly when pride is involved or for reasons unknown to us. Sometimes we are too distracted or prideful to hear/understand his word. There are many times in the new testament where Christ speaks clearly.he does not speak clearly, for the most part, so that we can grow. He loves so he wants to grow into the best version of ourselves. If you have wouldn't you want them to be the best version of themselves. Would telling them exactly what to do and telling exactly what right and wrong be a good thing? NO, you be an overbearing parent of a child that could think or do anything for themselves. They would be stupid and weak. As soon as you stopped telling them what to do they would turn to other people to tell them what to do. Those people would take advantage of the mindless devotion of your child and they would probably cause your child to do horrible things.
@@mikeyboo5603 TLDR: God doesn't speak clearly because he wants us to think for ourselves. He wants us to grow and becoming mentally fit by thinking for ourselves is part of that. Sometimes he does speak clearly to us like in the New Testament.
@@bonelesspizza3726 If I start thinking for myself then many ideas of christianity suddenly doesn't make sense, let alone the idea of a deity itself. I'm not asking for a miracle; what people are asking/finding for is some kind of acknowledgement or physical presence (like an ACTUAL parent).
@@hijo5966 I have felt God's love. I hope you feel it too.
Relating the churches to trees is a beautiful description. I'd love to see the European churches as they're so sacred... Full of history. Like if those stones could talk. ⛪ Your videos are VERY poignant. I'm hooked.
Absolutely amazing video. Thank you for making it.
I applaud your ability to write a personal and engaging script that flows so well with a satisfying conclusion. Not to mention a good choice of music, audio and breaks of silence.
The best notification this week
Silence is such a profound film. Perhaps the best film I’ve ever seen.
Waww,
Absolutely incredible piece of work. I have never felt so understood. "Questions without answers". I feel inspired
Your work is so important. It layers so much meaning and excavates so much more into an otherwise mundane existence. Thank you so much.
I always liked Carl Sagan's take on it: that we as humans, are here as a way of the universe understanding itself. That we are the cosmos, dreaming of itself. The very fact of our own consciousness, our self-awareness in a larger universe isn't for no reason. I think it's why we're so fascinated and yet fearful of AI: the idea of a man-made creation gaining sentience against all odds reminds of us of ourselves on a deeply subconscious level.
Most Reddit-tier take I have ever heard.
For me, I've noticed this attribute to Christian movies, similarly to the role the Book of Esther plays in the Bible.
There is almost no mention of God, nor acknowledgement of his presence.
But he is in the details, as he is in the fibers of our existence. And it's noticeable. And that makes it profound.
I'm glad you thanked me at the end...otherwise I was going to make a gentle comment about how self indulgent this seemed. Inner reflection is so very personal. Thank-you for sharing.
Love your work and I share many of your passions and feelings. Don't get discouraged. Move forward with pride.